Eureka! – dealing with depression with comedy and skilful acting
Laura Moss, “Eureka!” (2019) I confess, I saw this comedy sci-fi fantasy short because Karen
Jettison: a parable on the US exploitation of soldiers using time-space travel
J J Pollack, “Jettison” (2021) A young woman, Rebka (Madison Wilson), restless and bored with
The Menu: black comedy satire of class warfare in microcosm
Mark Mylod, “The Menu” (2022) A satirical commentary on Western gastronomy culture – and through
The Simulation: light-hearted comedy and kitsch look hide a dark heart
Faye Fillingham, “The Simulation” (2021) Initially this short seems light-hearted and amusing but on repeated
Mukbang: comedy horror short focus on obsession leading to blackmail and manipulation
Alex Magaña, “Mukbang” (2022) Originating in South Korea, mukbang is an Internet-based audiovisual broadcast or
Sol: a post-apocalyptic story of survival, family relationship and trauma, and hope
Andy Alvarez, “Sol” (2020) In a world devastated by climate change (and perhaps global war),
Australian and New Zealand Films
Wandering Soul: claustrophobic horror film highlights the cynical use of folklore and superstitions as weapons of war
Josh Tanner, “Wandering Soul” (2016) An intensely claustrophobic film, seemingly a ghost story set during
Rick and Ruby: two buddies confront pop culture stereotypes in gory fashion
Scott Woodburn, “Rick and Ruby” (2019) Playing like an episode in a never-ending road-movie series
Australian and New Zealand Films
Clean: finding peace and freedom from trauma by helping others deal with theirs
Lachlan McLeod, “Clean” (2022) As this documentary demonstrates, there’s much more to the word “clean”
Mrs Harris Goes to Paris: a fantasy nostalgia world where good deeds and kindness are rewarded and bad gets its just punishment
Anthony Fabian, “Mrs Harris Goes to Paris” (2022) A light and lively film harking nostalgically